The Church of the Brethren Burundi was founded in 2015 by Expert Bukene after another Burundian put a book in his hands that changed his life. This book was from the Dunker Guide series on Brethren history and Expert found himself in that story. He quit his job working for World Vision and planted 50 congregations in Burundi. There are approximately 6000 members. He has since found planters to plant Church of the Brethren congregations in four other African countries.
The Church of the Brethren Burundi is characterized by active care for those on the margins of the community—single mothers, orphans, widows. They have a micro-bank, a nursery and primary school up to grade 2, a pastoral training institute and agricultural programs. Global Food Initiative has provided agricultural grants to further the work of the church and they sell and give away “Brethren Porridge” as a result. They follow Jesus in the context of material poverty, with over 50% of children being malnourished and 70% of the population living under the international poverty rate.
Read a story about micro-loans in Burundi